Travel experts name UK's 6 best beaches - from Cornwall to Wales

With the summer heatwaves looking far from over for much of the UK, many Brits are still on the hunt for the perfect staycation. While the likes of Greece, Italy and Spain are renowned for their picturesque coastlines, the UK is also home to some stunning stretches of sand.

The UK coastline is blessed with stretches of sand and secret coves that rival anywhere in Europe. Whether you're after golden sands, wild surf, or tucked-away fishing villages, these beaches - dotted across the south coast and Wales - are worth the trip from London or your nearest city.

Although not the most obviously scenic, Clevedon Beach in North Somerset is known for its charming pier, featured in the film adaptation of Never Let Me Go and a One Direction music video.

The standout attraction is the free marine lake, where hardy swimmers enjoy brisk dips year-round, especially at sunset. On colder days, mobile wood-fired saunas sometimes appear, making a chilly dip more tempting.

From London, take a train to Bristol Temple Meads (about one hour and 45 minutes), then a 30-minute bus or taxi ride to Clevedon. Drivers can take the M4 and M5, reaching Clevedon in around 2.5 hours.

A characterful pebble beach set on the Jurassic Coast, Devon's Beer Beach, is framed by pastel beach huts and fishing boats. It's the perfect choice for invigorating sea swims and enjoying local delicacies like crab sandwiches. The beach's facilities include beach cafés, toilets, fishing boat rentals and small shops in the nearby village.

The surrounding headland walk offers sweeping views of the white chalk cliffs and surf below. The local fishing heritage means you can even head out on a boat trip, with mackerel often cooked right on a BBQ or open fire.

From London Waterloo, take a train to Axminster, near Exeter (around two hours and 50 minutes), then a 20-minute taxi or local bus ride to Beer. By car, the A303 and A35 route takes roughly 3.5 to four hours.

Marloes Sands is one of those beaches that feels almost otherworldly. At low tide, a mile of golden sand stretches out beneath dramatic cliffs, dotted with rockpools teeming with marine life. Offshore lies Skomer Island, famous for puffins and seals.

Despite its cinematic beauty, Marloes is rarely crowded thanks to its remote access - a field path and a short scramble down rocks. After your walk, the Runwayskiln café nearby is perfect for warming Welsh dishes with sea views.

From London Paddington, take a train to Haverfordwest, Wales (around five hours), then a 20-minute taxi or local bus to Marloes village, followed by a walk to the beach. Driving from London takes 5.5 to six hours via the M4.

Nestled quietly between the busier Sandbanks and Bournemouth, the fine golden-sand beach of Canford Cliffs in Dorset offers picturesque views toward Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight. It's a perfect alternative for those looking to escape the bustle of Bournemouth at this time of year and is popular with locals.

Access involves a walk down a cliffside path, but visitors are rewarded with scenic calm and an ice-cream kiosk upon arrival.

London Waterloo to Bournemouth takes just under two hours, followed by a short bus or taxi ride. By car, take the M3 and A31 for a 2.5-hour journey.

A privately owned cove near Newquay, Cornwall, Lusty Glaze is celebrated for its golden sand, turquoise water, and serene atmosphere - much more peaceful than nearby bays. In the summer, "Sundowner" live music sessions set the mood, while pastel beach huts provide shelter from squalls. Lusty Glaze is the perfect choice for those wishing to enjoy fresh seafood and samphire cooked al fresco as the sun dips.

Out of season, it's quieter but just as enchanting - the perfect spot for a windswept coastal walk. Truro is also just 12 miles away.

London Paddington to Newquay via Exeter (around five hours by train), then a five-minute taxi or 20-minute walk. Driving from London takes five to six hours via the M4 and A30. Newquay Airport also has flights from London.

Car-free and protected by the National Trust, Porthdinllaen in Wales feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. Golden sands curve beneath cliffs dotted with fishermen's cottages, and at its heart sits the Ty Coch Inn - a pub right on the beach, once voted one of the best in the world.

It's a place for slow days: kayaking in calm waters, spotting seals, or walking the rugged coastline.

From London Euston, take a train to Bangor, Wales (three hours and 30 minutes), then a 1.5-hour drive or bus to Morfa Nefyn, followed by a coastal walk to the beach. By car, the drive from London takes about 5.5 hours via the M40 and A55.